Bite-Sized Studio course
Loose, expressive sketching with watercolour/Inktense pencils
Discover just how fluid and flexible watercolour and Inktense pencils can be. If you have either sitting in your supply drawer, or a blend of both, you have everything you need to get started.
£45
⭐ 14-Day Money-Back Guarantee
Over 3 hours of video lessons · Instant access · Examples and guides in every lesson
Art from the course
This is just a few of the beautiful fluid works of art we make together in this course. The first workshop focusses on pencil-only art, whilst the second workshop brings in the impact of ink.
The course focussed on urban and natural landscapes, taking us through a variety of different scenes together. Everything is step-by-step and fully supported, you’ll be amazed what you can do.
Course preview
Workshop 1 – ‘Controlling pigment movement’
Watch the full free preview lesson here
Introduction (2:00)
Course goals: techniques, mindset and creative freedom
Glossary of terms
0 – Workshop one – An introduction
1 – Supplies – A talk through (1:00)
2 – Supplies again: This supply is essential (avoiding murky colours) (7:53)
3 – Concept demo: Dry to wet techniques a primer (and exercises) (16:40)
4 – Concept demo: controlling pigment movement and line weight (11:46) 5 – Study of Jaipur in pencils (16:57)
🎯 6 – Challenge shapes + Study (9:13)
🎯 7 – Challenge part 1: Mapping shapes and light tones (12:06)
🎯 8 – Challenge part 2: building structure and layering (11:05)
9 – Concept Demo + Second challenge: An organic approach to sketching landscape tones (18:02)
10 – Workshop one reflection: how did you find that?
11 – Introduction to workshop 2
12 – Concept demo: Wet techniques (14:52)
14 – Concept demo: Layering and mixing with watercolour pencils (16:19)
15 – Concept demo: opacity in pencils (6:46)
16 – Two studies of Skipton, lines and loose washes (17:00)
Bonus: How to splatter (2:26)
🎯 17 – Challenge shapes + study: colour testing (13:04)
🎯 18: Final challenge – Abstract effects (12:51)
📚 19 – Gallery of examples/further studies for practice
20 – Workshop two reflection: celebrating line and wash
🎙️ – How did you find that course?
What You’ll Need
Watercolour pencils and a sketchbook are all you really need. Here’s a simple breakdown — email toby@sketchloose.co.uk if you have any questions.
A watercolour sketchbook, A5 or bigger. 200–300gsm paper works best as it handles wet media without buckling. I am using 200gsm paper, and even 150gsm paper throughout this course.
A set of watercolour pencils, any beginner set works well. Winsor and Newton studio or Derwent Inktense are great starting points, but any set of 12ish colours will do. When you have a set, you can expand by buying individual colours that you feel would add something to your art. The exact pencils I use are listed in each lesson, in case those colours appeal to you.
Fineliners with permanent ink, or a fountain pen loaded with permanent ink. Check the supplies link below for more details on safe inks.
A water brush is the most convenient tool for activating the pencils on the go, but a couple of synthetic watercolour brushes and a pot of water work just as well. We actually look at the pros and cons of these different options in one of the first lessons, so I assure you that both are fine 🙂
Rougher paper gives more texture and lifts colour beautifully. For me, that rougher paper with watercolour pencils makes them a little harder to activate. Smooth paper keeps lines crisp. Try both and see which suits your style.
Review spotlight
What people are saying…
Jol
“It’s been great learning about watercolour pencils. I have a few pencils, and now have a collection of them and it’s good to learn more about how to use them effectively. I definitely see progress and have been thinking how/where else I can use them.”
David C
“Again, I am surprised how much course content there is and how much is covered. There has definitely been a journey that I have enjoyed along with some pieces I am very happy with. All very good.”
Dave S
“I have enjoyed the lessons. Your sequencing of the skill and the little hidden things, like rolling the pencil were wonderful. You kept coming back to previously taught skills, which for me is helpful and that makes the importance stand out.”
Course Tour: See what it’s like when you log in
Who Is This For?
🎨
Curious about watercolour pencils
You’ve seen them but never known quite what to do with them.
✏️
Sketchers wanting to add colour
You’re comfortable with a pencil but want to bring in watercolour without the faff.
🎯
Independent learners
You want a focused skill session — no homework, no pressure, no waiting for feedback.
⭐ 14-Day Money-Back Guarantee
If you buy the course and it’s not right for you, email me within 14 days and I’ll refund you in full. No questions asked.
BOOST
Loose, expressive sketching with watercolour pencils — at your own pace.
£45.00Got questions? Check the FAQs “>”
Or contact me directly at toby@sketchloose.co.uk